Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the federal and state governments to enact legislation prohibiting the production of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the country, citing the need to safeguard the life and health.
This was declared in a communiqué released at the conclusion of the Second Plenary Meeting of the CBCN held at the Ikot Ekpene Diocese.
The document was jointly signed by the president of the CBCN and Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, and secretary of the CBCN and Bishop of Uromi, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun.
While acknowledging the significant role of agriculture in the nation’s economy, the bishops expressed deep concern over the potential dangers of GMOs. They urged the government to focus on enabling traditional farming practices instead.
“Agriculture presents a major source of economic and employment opportunities in our nation. We thank God for the vast expanse of fertile and arable lands available for farming in our country.
“We call on governments at all levels to create a sufficient enabling environment such as mechanisation, adequate security, access roads and incentives to enable farmers work towards production of food for all.
“We equally request governments to put in place regulation that will prohibit production of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in order to preserve the life and health of our citizens,” the bishops stated.
